Living The Quran Through The Living Quran

The Muslim life in Medina would see many changes in the relationship of  Prophet Muḥammad and Imam ʿAlī. The Commander of the Faithful would  propose to and eventually marry Fatima al-Zahra, the only daughter of  Prophet Muḥammad and would continue to shine by displaying his bravery,  courage, skills and many other traits. His status would also be added to  by Allāh when he was made the spiritual brother of Prophet Muḥammad –  in this world and in the world to come.

As Imam ʿAlī continued to grow and mature, his dedication to Islam and  to his spiritual brother, Prophet Muḥammad also grew. The Prophet relied  upon Imam ʿAlī in critical junctures of the growth of Islam in Mecca,  such as inviting and cooking food for the invitation to the Quraysh to  Islam in the event known as Da’wat Dhu’l Asheerah. He also showed his  love for Islam and his dedication by sacrificing his life on the bed of  Prophet Muḥammad as he left on the migration towards Medina.

Commentary of Verses 29 and 30

29. Or do those in whose hearts is sickness think that Allah will not bring to light their malice against the Divine Religion and its followers?

30. Had We so willed, We would have shown them, the hypocrites, to you, the Muslims, and you would have known them by their marks. But you certainly know them by the false tone of their speech, and Allah knows your deeds.

There is a relationship which exists between Prophet Muḥammad and Imam ʿAlī which no other companion or family member of the Prophet has. Not only is Imam ʿAlī the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, but more importantly, he is his spiritual brother in this world and in the next. He was blessed to marry the only daughter of Prophet Muḥammad and his two sons, Imams Hasan and Husayn would actually be referred to by Allāh in the Quran as the SONS of Prophet Muḥammad. How was their relationship in the early days pre-Prophethood in Mecca?

Commentary of Verses 27 and 28

27. So, how (will it be) when the angels take their souls at death, striking their faces and their backs?

28. This  is because they have followed what incurs God’s wrath (condemnation),  and are averse to what pleases Him, and so He has caused all their  (previous good) deeds to go to waste.

Although a human being, however Prophet Muḥammad has been given certain abilities by Allāh which he is entitled to use IF and WHEN Allāh permits him – one of them is his ability to tap into Knowledge of the Unseen – again IF and WHEN Allāh allows him. He has also been given the ability to be a witness over the actions of his community – showing that he has the power to know what all of the believers do – a power normally reserved for Allāh but one which He has granted to His Prophet for unique reasons.

Commentary of Verses 25 and 26

25. Surely  those who have turned back as apostates after (God’s) guidance has become clear to them, Satan has seduced them; he has implanted in them  long-term worldly ambitions.

26. This is because they have said to those who are averse to what God has sent down: "We will obey you in some issues." God knows their secrets.

With the move to Medina, the Prophet encountered a challenge – how to  bring about harmony and introduce two distinct groups to one another –  the Muhajiroon, those who had converted in Mecca and had to leave their  home to move to Yathrib and the Ansar, those who had converted in the  city of Yathrib and were now in a position to have to welcome in  hundreds of people into their city. What would Prophet Muḥammad do to  bring these people together and WHO did he choose as his brother?

Every faith tradition has a focus or direction which they hold sacred and important. For the Muslims, this is Mecca and the Sacred Ka’bah. However it was not always the direction of prayer. For the entire period of life in Mecca, the Muslims would turn towards Jerusalem when they engaged in their acts of worship. However, once they established themselves in Medina, the order was given to now turn towards Mecca and the Ka’bah. HOW did this shift occur? WHY did it happen? WHEN did it transpire?

A continuation of Episode 13 in which we reviewed Verse 24 which stated, "Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Nay, on the hearts there are locks." In this episode, we delve deeper into the Noble Quran and it importance and relevance in our lives.